After the recent troubles at Vistara, it is the turn of Air India Express to see some sort of personnel troubles. Since midnight of May 8, 2024, reports have been coming in of flights being cancelled last minute because cabin crew did not turn up for the flight. They called in sick.

Dear @JM_Scindia sir disappointed with the service by air India express.
My flight is at 11:30pm from Bangalore to Delhi , while arriving airport on checking the attendant said delay by 2 hour. No message given of delay. #ministryofcivilaviation @PMOIndia @MoCA_India pic.twitter.com/tgfhGz8eRu

— Suraj singh (@SurajSingh4767) May 7, 2024

Had flight (8.10 am) frm Hyd 2 Kol (Flight- IX 587). Got automated call at 3.30 pm night (4 hours prior)- on cancellation. Rushed booking flight same day.2x price.

Airlines like @AirIndiaX takes passnger granted. This level of harrasment deserves commpensation @Ministry_CA

— Sibadittya Baidya (@SibadittyaB) May 8, 2024

I booked an @AirIndiaX flight Kolkata to Bangalore, PNR: MBZKTH, today at 2.00 a.m. As per passanger charter-@Ministry_CA, I am eligible to get a refund if cancelled within 24 hours. @AirIndiaX Chatbot is charging me over 60% cancellation and not allowing me to speak to an Agent.

— Saurav Sarkar (@saurav_06021994) May 4, 2024

Air India Express witnesses mass cancellations on account of mass sick leave

Air India Express, the no-frills airline subsidiary of Air India, which was created with the amalgamation of Air India Express and AirAsia India, now operates flights under the code IX and I5, while the operational merger of the two airlines is concluded. Today, May 8, 2024, at least 78 Air India Express flights (domestic and international) have been cancelled, after the cabin crew failed to turn up, on account of mass sick leave.

It is reported that about 300 senior cabin crew members reported sick at the last minute, and went incommunicado after.  Flights largely suffered out of older Air India Express bases such as Kochi, Calicut and Bangalore. Air India Express Employees Union, which is a union that represents Air India Express cabin crew, has alleged mismanagement and “unequal treatment of staff”, due to which “employee morale is low.”

As per a statement issued by Air India Express,

A section of our cabin crew reported sick at the last minute, starting last night, resulting in flight delays and cancellations. While we are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences, our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused to our guests as a result.

To this effect, Air India Express has requested passengers to check with the airline before heading to the airport, if they are due to travel today.

Air India Express is offering a full refund or rescheduling for impacted passengers. As per the Air India Express statement,

We sincerely apologise to our guests for this unexpected disruption and emphasise that this situation does not reflect the standard of service we strive to provide. Guests impacted by cancellations will be offered a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date.

Guests flying with us today are requested to check if their flight is affected, before heading to the airport.

What Air India Express should also be doing is using its arrangements with other airlines to place passengers on their aircraft to have them on their way in time as well, and offer them the due compensation as per the Passenger Service Charter.

Why are the crew missing?

While there is not much to go with here, the problems of the Air India Express Crew are similar to the other parts of the airline business of the group. There are claims of unfair treatment and compensation packages being not in line.

Bottomline

Air India Express operations are seeing major delays and cancellations today, with over 78 flights being impacted till the first half of the day due to crew going on mass sick leave. If you are booked on an Air India Express flight today, make sure to check with the airline before you head over to the airport. AIX has assured guests that they can reschedule their flights or avail of a full refund if they would so like.

Have you been affected by the issues at Air India Express? Do share how were you handled.

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